Bhubaneswar, March 8: State BJP legislature party leader K.V. Singhdeo will be the next president of the party in Odisha, sources said, adding that an official announcement in this regard was shortly expected.

Though senior leaders Nayan Mohanty and Basant Panda were seen as front runners for the post, Singhdeo, the scion of Balangir royal family, had always been the dark horse. His no-nonsense approach to the party affairs appears to have catapulted him to the forefront of the presidential race.

Singhdeo, who is in Kerala, however, refused to confirm that the party had zeroed in on him as the successor to Jual Oram, whose term had expired a few months ago. “I have no idea, but I will abide by whatever the party decides,” the veteran said.

The mood in the party office was celebratory with Singhdeo’s name on everyone’s lips. “His choice will be supported by all. Theparty was never divided over the issue of president’s election. It was all media hype,” said state BJP vice-president Sanchita Mohanty.

Senior leader Samir Mohanty felt that Singhdeo, being the legislature party leader and a former minister, the party would benefit immensely from his experience. Former ministers Manmohan Samal and Samir De were unanimous that the royal scion would be the right choice to lead the party at a critical juncture.

Party sources said Nayan Mohanty and Basant Panda, who fancied their prospects, were slightly cut up but had almost reconciled to the strong likelihood of Singhdeo pipping them to the post. Both of them were RSS-backed candidates, but Singhdeo is said to enjoy the blessings of new party president Rajnath Singh.

But, experience and support within the party notwithstanding, it is unlikely to be a bed of roses for Singhdeo.

He hails from western Odisha and the party needs to resurrect itself in the region if it has to make an impact in the next Assembly elections.

Besides, Singhdeowould also have to grapple with factionalism, which has been a bane for the party in the state. Moreover, the Oram faction may prove to be a thorn in his side for ever.